The Martin Guitars 000-28EC is based on the exact specifications of the guitar played by Eric Clapton during his now-legendary MTV Unplugged concert in 1992, and it authentically captures the spirit of that iconic instrument together with the same unmistakable sound. The basis for this sound is a body (back and sides) made from solid East Indian rosewood combined with a sitka spruce top that, thanks to its scalloped X-bracing, has plenty of resonance and provides the body's construction with optimum stability. A modified V neck profile and a shorter scale length of 633mm (24.9") give the guitar its distinctive playing feel, while the latter also provides a more comfortable string tension. Martin's 100-plus years of experience in acoustic guitar making are reflected in every aspect of the 000-28EC - from the perfect craftsmanship and premium-grade woods through to the top-of-the-line hardware.
The combination of woods used for the Martin Guitars 000-28EC gives the guitar a warm-sounding low end with rich-textured mids and a bright treble response. The top has been treated with an antique toner and features an elegant herringbone inlay, and the guitar's vintage look is further enhanced by antique white binding around the front and back of the body, so the 000-28EC is sure to be an eyecatcher from any angle - all the more so thanks to its tortoiseshell pickguard and multi-stripe soundhole border. The neck - designed according to E.C.'s exact specifications - features a 20-fret ebony fingerboard with "diamonds and squares" inlays (and Eric Clapton's signature at the 20th fret) as well as a narrow bone nut, and the headstock is adorned with a set of open-gear nickel machine heads with distinctive butterbean-style buttons.
Thanks to its direct response, excellent clarity across the frequency spectrum, and of course the impressive level of volume generated by its 000 shape, the Martin 000-28EC is eminently equipped to cover a lot of ground, from full-sounding chordal rhythms through to intricate and dynamic picked passages and for Folk, Rock, and Pop music. Professional and semi-professional players alike can thus enjoy a well-balanced sound and an excellent level of playing comfort - as well as the assurance that comes with one of the most legendary acoustic guitar brands of all time. It goes without saying that a Martin guitar has never been cheap, but this model once again emphasises the excellent build quality that players can expect from a "Made in USA" Martin, which makes this a guitar for life - and not just for afficionados of Mr. Slowhand.
Martin Guitars was founded in 1833 and is thus one of the most long-established brands in the history of the acoustic guitar. Several of Martin’s developments – including the dreadnought shape, robust X-bracing, the placement of the neck-to-body transition at the 14th fret (as opposed to the 12th fret as found on classical guitars), and the use of steel strings – have now become staples of modern guitar construction that countless other manufacturers have since adopted. To put it another way: Music today would sound very different had it not been for C.F. Martin & Co.
Players would be hard put to find a musical style in which the Martin 000-28EC could not be used to great effect. Its dynamic and nuance-rich tonal response and excellent presence together with its excellent playing comfort will also delight Bluegrass players, Blues afficionados, and of course singer/songwriters and acoustic virtuosos who are serious about their tone. The 000-28EC proudly continues the 000-28's tradition of sonic excellence and outstanding playability combined with perfect craftsmanship, making this guitar a solid workhorse that will capably handle every conceivable acoustic application - particularly in the studio, where the right choice of microphones will allow every facet of its sound (which thanks to the lack of a cutaway or a preamp system is as pure as it gets) to be captured perfectly. For safe storage and transport, the scope of delivery additionally includes a robust hardshell case.